The 600-year-old George Tavern, famed for its illuminated floor, is considered a Mecca for artists, and in addition to gigs it is also a popular location for photoshoots.

Stars including Justin Timberlake, Kate Moss, Grace Jones, and Georgia May Jagger have posed for pictures at the venue, in the East End of the city, but a proposed new residential development nearby could force the owners to close the building's doors.

They fear those moving to the area will complain about the noise from concerts, and supporters have now launched an online campaign demanding that local officials step in to save the venue.

The petition organisers write, "If the George Tavern is forced to close it will be a huge loss to the local and artistic communities of East London and the hundreds of acts who play the venue each year. We cannot let this happen."